Safety plea to people in Aberdeenshire when using level crossings

British Transport Police has issued a plea to people in Aberdeenshire to keep safe when using level crossings.

Published:15:26Tuesday 08 November 2016

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British Transport Police has issued a plea to people in Aberdeenshire to keep safe when using level crossings.

Officers who are responsible for policing the more than 6,100 level crossings in Britain, are encouraging people to use level crossings responsibly, or risk tragedy.

They are particularly keen to highlight issues at Kintore and Insch.

Inspector Lindsay Clarkson said: “Level crossings are used by a wide range of people, from pedestrians and drivers to cyclists and horse riders.

“They provide a safe route across the railway, most of the time. It may seem like stating the obvious, but when trains are approaching, level crossings are extremely dangerous places.

“As winter approaches, and the dark nights come in, we want to remind people of the dangers of level crossings, and how to use them safely.”

“Busier level crossings will have warning lights, if they activate, a train is coming, and you must not cross. Ignoring these lights is dealt with the same as ignoring a normal red traffic light, and you risk losing your licence if you’re a driver, and a £1000 fine regardless of whether you’re driving, riding, cycling or walking over the crossing.

“In the most serious cases, alternative charges including dangerous driving, can be used.”

Insp Clarkson urged people to follow instructions on the signs at level crossings. She said: “Here in the North of Scotland we’re fortunate to have some of the most beautiful countryside on our doorsteps, but with it comes more rural crossings which often don’t have warning lights.

“These crossings are especially dangerous, and everyone using them should follow the instructions on the signs which will be there, including using the phones provided to check it’s safe to cross, and closing gates behind them.”